Kalash
(कलश)Literal Meaning
A pot
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
Sanskrit kalasha: a pot or jar.
Spiritual Insight & Context
A pot of water, often with mango leaves and a coconut, set up at the start of a puja or Navratri as the seat of the deity.
Where Kalash Comes Up
Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Phalguna Shukla)
The sacred story from the Brahmanda Purana of the Amla tree (Indian Gooseberry) created from Lord Vishnu's tears, granting salvation even to a sinful hunter in Phalguna Shukla Paksha.
Vrat Katha
The Satyanarayan Vrat Katha: Story and How to Observe
The Skanda Purana katha of the merchant Sadhu and his daughter Kalavati, recited during the Satyanarayan Vrat puja to Lord Vishnu.
Vrat Katha
Hartalika Teej Vrat Katha: Parvati’s Penance to Win Shiva
The story of Parvati’s twelve-year penance in the Himalayas to win Lord Shiva as her husband, and why married women keep the rigorous waterless Hartalika Teej fast on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya.
Vrat Katha
Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Phalguna Krishna)
The Skanda and Padma Purana katha of how Lord Rama kept Vijaya Ekadashi before building the Setu bridge to defeat Ravana.
Vrat Katha
Durga Puja Vidhi: Home Worship for Navratri
A step-by-step guide to home worship of Goddess Durga during Navratri, from Kalash Sthapana through Kanya Pujan and the closing Visarjan.
Puja Vidhi
Griha Pravesh Puja Vidhi: The Hindu Housewarming Ritual
Griha Pravesh is the Vedic ritual of first entering a new home, rooted in the Matsya and Agni Puranas' worship of Vastu Purusha, bringing prosperity and appeasing the spirit of the dwelling.
Puja Vidhi